A documented form of treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. A recent double blind study noted that acupuncture for arthritis of the knee joint, when added to standard care, reduced pain by 40% and increased joint mobility by 40%. This United States National Institute of Health study concluded that acupuncture is an effective natural arthritis treatment when compared to no acupuncture and placebo acupuncture.

Studies in the past have not definitively addressed the question of how effective acupuncture is in treating arthritis. In many cases, the studies have involved only a small number of patients or relatively few sessions. Dr. Madeline Devey views this new study as being "well conducted" and "extremely encouraging," and she sees it as showing a "positive effect."

Beginning in China several thousand years ago, Acupuncture (the insertion of thin needles into the body, thus allowing the refocus and redirection of the body's natural energy or Qi.) is a natural arthritis treatment. Though it does not cure the disease and joint deterioration continues, Acupuncture relieves the pain.

Some patients with arthritis do not get relief from typical medical treatment. In these cases, acupuncture does seem to be effective, although the exact mechanism of relief is not known. Some physiological studies are focused on possible effects of acupuncture on the electromagnetic fields of the body. The placebo effect has also been viewed as a reason for pain relief. However, the current study is better designed than these other sugar-pill projects.

Acupuncture takes a philosophical approach to healing, by combining treatment on the mental as well as the physical level. Acupuncture in Bristol is quite reputable, with traditional practitioners in over 343 locations.

When choosing a practioneers of acupuncture in Bristol it is wise to find someone who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. The members of this organization are subject to a professional code of practice. Acupuncture carries risk and it is most likely to give positive results in the hands of someone experienced. Students should spend a significant amount of time working under supervision However, for those lucky enough to live in Bristol it is not too much to say that acupuncture in Bristol is among the best available in the western world.